Naturopathic Medicine

Autism

Autism is a lifelong behavioral disorder. It usually begins by age two and a half.

Austism is characterized by compulsive behavior (e.g. flapping the arms, rocking the body, engaging in routines/behavior patterns). People with autism may exhibit strange speech, or not speak at all. They often form attachments to objects instead of people. Learning ability is limited, though some individuals will display exceptional talent in a particular area such as music or mathematics.

There is no known cause, but there are multiple suspected causes. Research has shown several factors common to autistic development.

Common Connections to Autism

Genetics-recent research indicates that certain genes may be tied to autism.

Metabolic and digestive disturbances

Possible connection to alcoholism in the mother

Viral infections during the mother’s pregnancy

Lowered blood flow to the brain is common in many autistic children

Food allergies to wheat, dairy, and sugar

While controversial and discounted by medical institutions, vaccinations have been under severe scrutiny as a causative agent, especially the MMR and per tussis vaccinations. Recent elimination of thimerosol in vaccinations has shown to dramatically decrease autistic development. People from isolated cultural groups, such as the Amish, who do not vaccinate their children, have not developed autism.

Yeast development after antibiotic use in which the gut function becomes disturbed resulting in food allergies

Parasite development and digestive enzyme deficiency

Older fathers (35+ years of age) seems to increase autism risk

Treating Autism

Combined therapies have yielded the most consistent results in combating the effects of autism. These include:

Nutritional supplementation with B6, magnesium, zinc, all other B vitamins and vitamin C, which have shown great success in treating or reducing autistic behavior

Dietary changes that include whole, unprocessed, alkaline foods (vegetables) without preservatives and the elimination of dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners and dyes

Gluten-derived products must also be eliminated, as they appear to induce and/or exacerbate autistic behavior.

Eliminating allergies helps decrease autistic behavior

Craniosacral Therapy-increases the motion in the cranial bones, thus decreasing stress on the nervous system